Exploring the Intersection of Efficiency and Librarianship

What Drives You?

Why is it that some people love their jobs and dive into their work with great energy and enthusiasm, while others slog through their work days living a life of boring desperation? Daniel Pink looked at this question in his book, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.

According to Pink’s study of the scientific literature, most people erroneously believe that external motivations like money and fancy benefits motivate us to do good work. The conclusion he draws is that what truly motivates us is the ability to direct our own lives, learn new things, and improve the lives of the people around us. Pink provides examples of ways to improve your own level of drive. His book also identifies different ways that organizations can use self directed motivation to inspire their workforce in ways that the old approach of carrots and sticks was never able to do.

For more information, check out his book from your local library. Also, visit Dan’s web site to watch videos, subscribe to his newsletter, and learn more about his research.